Sometimes in the replica watch hobby, (myself included), I think we use the term value incorrectly. Or maybe that “value” is subjective to each individual. Either way, I feel the Glycine Combat Sub is a great value. It might not be ultra affordable, but it definitely has a lot to offer for the price.
Many might be familiar with the Glycine Combat Sub line, and some may not, but I often feel this model is overlooked in favor of Glycine’s other models, such as the Airman. The Glycine Combat sub comes in many variations, with steel bracelet, rubber strap or leather strap as being reviewed here today, and an array of color combos and finishes.
Today I am reviewing the 3863.19AT2 V-LB7BF (Thats a mouthful of a model number). It has a black dial, with a green aluminium bezel insert with a distressed brown leather strap.
Here are the full specifications:
- Movement: Swiss made Cal. No GL 224 Automatic. (ETA 2824
- Dial: Black index with SuperLuminova
- Case: 42mm 316L stainless steel.
- Lug Width: 22mm
- Case thickness: 10.6 mm thick
- Bezel: 316L stainless steel. Green bezel inlay.
- Crown: Screwdown. Glycine signed.
- Crystal: Sapphire glass with anti reflective coating on the inside
- Strap: Brown Leather
- Water resistance: 200 meters
- Power Reserve: ~42 hours
- MSRP: $1,360. (Can be purchased online from Authorized Dealers for around $700)
Please take a look at my video presentation below:
There are so many things to like (for me) on the Glycine Combat Sub. These days, I’m in the 42-44mm camp for a daily wearer, so this is right at my sweet spot. It is also only 10.6mm thick with a lug to lug of 49mm, so this should be suitable for many wrist sizes. Its lack of thickness makes it easily wearable under your shirt cuff, and while this example might not be the dressiest of the Combat sub models, they have versions that are two tone(steel and gold), or ones with black bezels and leather bands that definitely would be. Depending on what you are wearing, the green bezel/brown leather strap might work though. The green bezel is a different look for sure, but I like it. More subtle to me than say a red bezel, and a nice change up from the black or blue bezels we normally see.
The case is high polished on the sides, with a brushed(satin) finish on the top. The crown guards do not protect the whole crown, but the large crown screws down very smoothly and operates with no issues. One of the biggest reasons I find this replica watch to be a value, is not only because of it looks, but the movement inside. The Eta 2824. Now, we know this movement is not a high end movement by any means, but these days seeing these movements at this price point for any brand outside the Swatch Group, is a rarity. And of course, all Glycine Watches are Swiss Made. Now, that might not be important to some, but I know it is too many. For myself, I am more about the look and construction of the replica watch, (And this Glycine does not fail in that department for me), but that is just where I stand. The movement in my example is keeping reasonably accurate time, at about minus 9 seconds today, tested over a 4 day period.
The dial is matte black, with your somewhat mercedes style hands, and large arabic numerals and a date wheel at the 3 o’clock position. There is nothing flashy or over the top, just a nice classic dial, that is easy to read in all situations. They do make a few versions with a combo of rectangle and dot markers, if arabic numerals is not for you. A top the dial is of course a sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating (inside). The bezel is firm with nice clicks, and as stated a green aluminum insert. I have no issues with an aluminum bezel, but would love to see a version, even if maybe a limited edition or production, with a ceramic bezel.
The 22mm brown leather strap, is slightly distressed, and a very nice oiled cowhide. The strap easily fits my 7 ½ inch wrist, and should fit up to about an 8 inch wrist. Anything bigger than that, you will need an aftermarket strap. I am not sure off hand if Glycine makes larger straps available. These days I am more a leather or rubber strap guy over a bracelet, so I really love the look on the leather. And if for some reason you don’t like the leather strap, drilled lug holes make it simple to pop the strap off, and reduce down on the chance of lug scratches. On the wrist, it is super comfortable. I still like chunky or thick dive replica watches, but it is nice to have a slim replica watch on your wrist, something I am enjoying more and more.
The lume on the Glycine Combat sub is a little disappointing. Well, may be I should not state it that way. The lume on the hour, minute, and second hand is very bright and long lasting, but the application of the superluminova on the arabic numbers is not. As you can see in the photos, the numbers are significantly dimmer, and this was after charging under a light for 30 seconds. As I said, the hands do glow very well, so not really an issue to the see the time at night, I just wish another layer or two of lume paint was applied to the markers.
My conclusion is that the Glycine Combat Sub still has a place in the world of divers. With their many variations, you have dress divers, casual, and sporty. The Combat Sub is rated to 200 meters and on the rubber or bracelet versions, you should have no issues swimming or diving with it. If you can get it for around $700 you would be getting a great Swiss Made replica watch with an ETA movement, which is what I would deem a value.
You can see all versions of the Glycine Combat Sub HERE. Thank you to Glycine for providing this example for review.
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